Page 51 of Pocket Full Of Posies

“How did you know? Does he do that a lot?”

“Meet girls in the forest? Not that I know, but he does like to prance around shirtless and can talk his way out of anything.”

“I do not prance,” I argue, but it does no good. The two females ignore me completely and Endo muffles a laugh enjoying not being the topic of conversation. I can’t wait till he finds a girl and brings her home to meet the family. We’ll see who’s laughing then.

“Yes, you do. Like a proud peacock.”

The two girls, and my brother, break down with laughter at my expense, but I can’t be mad. Not when Daisy is laughing and happy and getting along with my two most important family members.

Servers circle the space carrying trays laden with the bite size appetizers. One approaches our table and offers us a plate of tiny quiche. Endo and I snicker silently at my previous comment about poisoned quiche. It’s vegetarian and Daisy plucks two off the tray and sets them on a napkin on the table. I’m going to need to make sure to find her some real food soon. Or maybe we’ll go to Dottie’s after we leave early. That sounds like a grand plan to me, because I know I’ll be starving after this.

“That’s a lovely bracelet, Daisy. It looks just like the one I gave Kai.” Keiko inspects the bracelet on Daisy’s wrist as she bites into a quiche.

“Oh, I tried to tell him to take it back, but he resized it and now I can’t take it off. I said it was too much and I didn’t want to take it, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer—”

“It’s okay, Daisy,” Keiko interrupts Daisy’s frantic apology. “I don’t mind that he gave it to you. Actually, I’m happy he did.”

“You are?”

“Of course. I gave it to Kai because he’s important to me, and he gave it to you because you’re important to him. It doesn’t matter where the item originated, only why it was given.”

Daisy curls her arm into her chest, cradling the bracelet clad wrist to her heart, her fingers stroking the golden band.

“Thank you.”

I can’t stop myself from reaching out to comfort her, hold her. Sliding my hand across her lower back and curling around her hip, I bring our sides flush and press my nose to her hair, inhaling the perfume of her flowers and essence, and whisper in her ear.

“Told you so.”

I hear Daisy let out one small chuckle and pull back to see Keiko and Endo watching our interaction, approval, and something akin to disbelief marring their faces. I don’t blame them. I’ve never been the possessive type, or the overly sweet and affectionate type. Flirtatious, suggestive, and physical absolutely. But nothing emotional or intimate. My siblings are rightfully stunned at my behavior.

A few relatives and family friends stop by our table and offer greetings and a few words ofnice to see you again, who is your date, we’d love to see you at more events,etcetera etcetera. Nothing meaningful or honest, simple pleasantries bred into them from birth. Not once do I detach from Daisy’s side, blatantly signaling our relationship to one another.

During one similar conversation, I spot a familiar and unexpected female in the crowd. Nysa, an animal nymph from a high bred family with uncommon characteristics of a moth, including a stunning set of wings and furry antenna, her coloring pale pinks and teals, flutters about the room speaking with guests as if she’s always attended our family equinox event.

I haven’t seen her in almost a decade since our short, and purely sexual, relationship. As far as I knew, our families only interacted socially at large important public events, but nothing more. Not that my mother hadn’t wanted a closer relationship to the family known for their impeccable breeding and high standards. I just didn’t realize she’d finally established that connection. But that still doesn’t explain why she’s here.

I lean into Endo and whisper, trying not to be overheard by Daisy and Keiko so as not to concern them.

“Why is Nysa here? Did Mom finally convince them to be part of her inner circle?”

Endo tilts his head to better see Nysa, then shakes his head.

“I have no idea why she’s here. Then again, I try to stay out of Mom’s business as much as possible, so there could be a logical reason for her presence.”

Whoever was talking to us politely excuses themselves with regurgitated friendly formalities, and that’s when I see my mother, from all the way across the room, set her sights on me and Daisy.

Well, here we go. The moment I’ve been dreading the entire night. I lean in to speak directly into Daisy’s ear.

“My mother is heading our way, are you ready to meet her?”

Daisy sucks in a breath and stands taller, but nods.

“Yes. I’m ready.”

“Okay. Remember I’m right here with you, Blossom. If you’re ever uncomfortable, just say the word and we’ll leave. Your comfort is most important to me.”

To punctuate my words, I give her dainty ears a nibble and kiss. Daisy’s heart rate quickens but she holds her composure with only a slight shift in her flowers. That’s when my mother appears at our secluded table, with Nysa right behind her.Shit.

---